Two teenage girls are being kept off school by their parents after teachers objected to their "attention seeking" hairstyles - modelled on Zoe Birkett, of Pop Idol fame.

Chloe Hazlewood and Faye Cowig, both 15 and of Witham, Essex, have been at home for more than two weeks after having waist-length blonde extensions woven into their hair in the style of 16-year-old Zoe, from Darlington.

Their parents decided to keep the girls at home after teachers said the pair should be taught away from other pupils for fear of causing a distraction.

"I can't see the problem - their hair looks nice," said Faye's mother, Janie.

Last night, Zoe's mother Tracey said her hair had never caused trouble at school.

"I'm a hairdresser so I don't see a problem, but every school has different rules and I'd respect the school's rules," she said.